Numbers 2:26
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
Original Language Analysis
וּצְבָא֖וֹ
And his host
H6635
וּצְבָא֖וֹ
And his host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
1 of 7
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
and those that were numbered
H6485
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
and those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 7
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
5 of 7
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Dan's large population and military strength enabled successful northern migration and conquest, yet these very resources facilitated establishing rival worship that corrupted northern Israel. The tribe's name eventually dropped from significance in later biblical history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Dan's numerical strength paired with spiritual failure warn against trusting resources and abilities rather than faithful obedience?
- What does this teach us about the danger that blessings can become snares when not accompanied by spiritual devotion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Dan's census total (62,700) made it one of the largest tribes, second only to Judah. This numerical strength, however, would not prevent later spiritual apostasy when the tribe established idolatrous worship centers (Judges 18; 1 Kings 12:29). The tragic pattern warns that gifts, resources, and blessings become curses when deployed in rebellion against God. Strength without faithfulness leads to judgment, not blessing.